Monday 12 Jun 2006

NETWORK RAIL RESPONDS TO PAY BALLOT RESULT

Region & Route:
National
Responding to the announcement of the ballot results on the issue of pay for operational staff at Network Rail, Chief Executive, John Armitt, said: “We believe the proposed pay settlement with above-inflation increases, a doubling of travel subsidies and a 35-hour working week is a generous one and a good deal for our people.  We are therefore disappointed by the ballot result. “We will now seek talks with the trades unions to try and find a way to a negotiated settlement and avert a strike that would cause great disruption for passengers and damage public confidence in the railway. “We have, for some time, been making plans to deal with a strike, and in the event we will do all we can to run as many services as possible and minimise the disruption caused to our customers.” “We are particularly disappointed that the planned strikes will jeopardise the commute home and the viewing pleasure of millions of fans who are eager to watch England’s third and possible fourth games in the World Cup.”

Notes to editors

1. The dispute is about the pay settlement for staff in Network Rail’s operations and customer services, projects and engineering and support functions 2. We’ve been negotiating with the unions on this pay settlement since 13 February 2006 3. Network Rail has offered a three-year deal including above-inflation pay increases, higher travel subsidies and the implementation of the 35-hour working week 4. Pay increases: - Year 1 - 3.2% plus a lump sum payment of £250 in year one - Year 2 - the Retail Price Index (RPI), plus a lump sum payment of £300 and full implementation of the 35-hour week (equivalent to an additional 2.78% hourly rate increase) in year two. RPI is currently 2.4% and has been at this figure for three months. - Year 3 - RPI plus a lump sum payment of £350 in year three 5. Higher travel subsidies and London allowances: - Increases to the travel subsidy over three years to 40%, 45% and 50%, along with increased maximum subsidies - Increases to London allowances in years two and three 6. Implementation of 35-hour working week: - Will mean higher hourly rates and will lead to higher earnings for most of our employees. The implementation of the 35-hour week from April 2007 equates to an increase of 2.78% on the hourly rate as employees will receive the same basic salary for working a 35-hour week as previously for a 36-hour week 7. The RMT and the TSSA decided to conduct a referendum of members, seeking a mandate for industrial action.

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